Vitrification Stick Basket Tip Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vitrification sticks for cryopreservation are prone to human error and risk of biological materials becoming separated during the application of cryoprotectants, leading to inconsistent processing times and potential damage to the materials.
Innovation Solution
A vitrification stick with a basket end tip that includes a peripheral wall and a shell with slots to enclose and retain biological materials, allowing for controlled application and immersion in cryoprotectants, reducing the risk of separation and ensuring consistent processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual administration of cryoprotectant fluids is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but procedure time variance and risk of material separation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vitrification stick is designed to automatically retain biological materials through the basket end tip structure, eliminating the need for manual securing operations. The basket end tip self-retains the material through its geometric configuration, reducing human error while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If biological materials are disposed upon a vitrification stick, then simple handling is achieved, but risk of material separation and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basket end tip functions as a retention structure that physically secures biological materials through its basket-like configuration. This structure prevents material separation while maintaining simple handling characteristics, as the material is retained within the basket geometry rather than requiring additional securing mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If cryoprotectant exposure time is extended, then adequate dehydration is achieved, but toxic damage to biological materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized procedure enabled by the vitrification stick design allows for precise control and monitoring of cryoprotectant exposure time. The consistent handling procedure ensures that materials are exposed to cryoprotectants for the optimal duration needed for dehydration while minimizing toxic damage through standardized timing protocols.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The vitrification stick facilitates consistent and controlled application of cryoprotectants, reducing the risk of biological material separation and damage, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the cryopreservation process.
Implementation Method 1
The basket end tip may include a peripheral wall enclosing an interior region of the basket end tip
Implementation Method 2
Vitrification involves the transformation of a solution comprised of a biological material, such as an egg or an embryo, into a glass-like amorphous solid that is free from any crystalline structure, followed by extremely rapid cooling
Implementation Method 3
Cryopreservation involves the process of cooling biological materials, such as organelles, cell, tissues, embryos, extracellular matrix and/or organs, to very low temperatures, for example 77 Kelvin (−196° C.) using liquid nitrogen or 193 Kelvin (−80° C.) using dry ice (solid carbon dioxide)
Implementation Method 4
This may be accomplished by first dehydrating the biological material through the use of cryoprotectant fluids
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a vitrification stick for use in the cryopreservation of biological materials, and may include a body having a first portion and a second portion, and a specimen end extending from the second portion of the body, and having a basket end tip formed thereon. The basket end tip may include a peripheral wall enclosing an interior region of the basket end tip, and the interior region may be further enclosed on a first side by a shell connected to the peripheral wall, and the interior region may be open on a second side in a direction towards the specimen end. The shell may include at least one slot formed therein.